cliff than it is for republicans because then all those tax cuts from the republicans are swept away. but it's too early. it's only december 6. we've got until december 31st and in washington that's a long time. >> a lifetime. you wrote yesterday the republicans are waving a white flag as big as a bed sheet. you wrote "right now bain ser hoping to lead his fractious gop to an orderly surrender. the question is no longer whether republicans will give on taxes, they already have. all that remains to be be negotiated is how they will increase taxes. s so what's the likely scenario as you see it now? >> the fact they have surrendered, saying we're offering up an $800 billion tax increase, that's a big deal but it doesn't save us from the fiscal cliff. as susan was suggesting, there's a long time to go between now and the 31st. they have to wait until that long because neither side wants to appear to be giving in too early. that means they've given away more than they had to. you've got the president out there stirring the pot, trying to bring public opinion more to his side. the republic